The Dark Society

64

 Sabrina struggled with conflicting feelings, because Luis's sudden arrival complicated everything. He'd come to America despite her insistence to stay away. Another surprise she hadn't expected. Even still, Sabrina arrived at Saint Anthony's. Though, she remained fearful that her relationship with the elders was diminishing.

Meanwhile, Jennifer settled into Webb Place and wanted to make plans. Yet despite her excitement, Sabrina found the unexpected invitation peculiar. Summer was approaching, and Sabrina's schedule was full. Ergo, it's unlikely she'd reunite with Jennifer anytime soon. But tonight was about faith and the revival of the coven. So, Sabrina entered Saint Anthony's prepared to commit.

"Come, everyone's waiting," Michelle said.

Raina arrived shortly after.

"I'm glad you made it."

They entered a basilica illuminated by brilliant crimson flames. A setting which created a striking interplay between light and shadow. Sabrina viewed the surroundings, while Raina arranged relics and chanted in foreign languages. Unusual for someone with renewed theological beliefs. Michelle grasped Sabrina's hand. Together, they toured a restricted section of the temple: the mausoleum. That's when Sabrina remembered the horrors of her most recent vision.

"It was me," she whispered, staring into her palms.

"What is it?" Raina asked.

Sabrina turned toward her.

"An extinction of life."

Raina and Michelle recoiled as Rachelle, Denise and Kim arrived.

"We'll institute a season of remembrance," Denise announced, lighting chrome-plated lanterns.

Sabrina stared in awe as Aphrodite emerged from the shadows.

"How did she get here?" she demanded.

"The goddess called, and you answered," Denise confirmed.

Altars stood adorned with black and ruby candles, while familiar psalms lay on the podium. Displays Raina used when presiding over sacraments. So, as the ceremony began, intentions became clear.

"The Greek goddess Gaia--Goddess of the Earth and prophecy," Raina began. "Also known as the primordial mother and personification of Earth.

"The Hindu Goddess Saraswati-Goddess of knowledge, language and the arts.

"The Greek Goddess Themis--Goddess of divine justice, order and customs.

"And finally...the Celtic Goddess Arianrhod-Goddess of fertility, rebirth and fate."

Raina stepped forward.

"Every witch bonds with a goddess, and Aphrodite is yours."

"I know," Sabrina acknowledged. "Somehow, I've always known."

Raina nodded.

"First, assimilate the goddess's consciousness," she explained. "Then channel her strengths."

"I can't," Sabrina protested.

Raina smiled.

"At first, it seems impossible, but once we integrate your power, it won't be."

Raina unveiled a rare athame and pricked her fingertip. Next, she approached Rachelle and passed the sacred blade. Rachelle repeated the ritual and passed the Anthame to Denise. Who, after making her offering, presented the chalice to Sabrina.

After drinking the grails contents, Sabrina felt her consciousness expand. Inheriting a lifetime of the coven's experiences. Each memory, a unique and relevant story. Later, while basking in Aphrodite's mystique, an effigy of the goddess Hecate appeared. Sabrina concealed the statue and never spoke of it. Knowing its appearance was no accident.